Tall tales and true stories, sweet memories and small miracles are finding their way into print at Brookside Elementary School. At Brookside, every single student writes and publishes a book. It's all part of the Young Authors Fair, a county-funded project created to inspire students in the elementary schools to write, edit, and publish their own stories.

Every year a published author visits the school to talk about the process of writing a book and offer their work as an example of good writing.

"It really inspires the kids," said Julie Buickerood, the school's reading specialist. "These are books they will treasure forever."

Teachers work together to have the students read their books to their classmates and then share them with classes throughout the school prior to publication. Buickerood said the kids write about almost everything fiction or non-fiction.

"It's a great opportunity for the kids to learn about different genres," she said.

Yearly participation builds confidence and ability. Teachers like Marette Myers can see the skill level building from year to year.

"The stories lengthen, the content deepens, some students even write chapter books," Myers said.

As each class took turns last week visiting the reading room, Myers said other unexpected things happen.

"Siblings are finding their brother's or sister's book and discover the book is dedicated to them," Myers said.

The program creates a positive writing experience for students before they move into higher grades where writing becomes critical.

"They take pride in themselves as writers and see themselves as authors," Myers said.

The enthusiasm is contagious. Buickerood has led the program for the past 14 years and is set to retire at the end of this term.

"I will miss the excitement they have about their books," she said. "They're just so proud of them. It's wonderful to see them so inspired."